KR102032486B1 - Tape cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

The tape printing apparatus 1 is provided with a to-be-detected part 143 provided on the wall surface along the detachable direction, and the fitting part 244 provided from the wall surface of the mounting direction inner side, and tape-printed along the fitting part 244. When attached to the apparatus 1, the to-be-detected part 143 replaces the tape cartridge 100 which opposes the detection part 59 of the tape printing apparatus 1 which irradiates a detection light and reads the classification information of the tape cartridge 100. FIG. )to be.

Description

Tape cartridge {TAPE CARTRIDGE}

The present invention relates to a tape cartridge attached to a cartridge mounting portion of a tape printing apparatus and provided for printing by the tape printing apparatus.

Background Art [0002] A tape printing apparatus (tape writer) in which a tape cartridge is conventionally used, comprising: a main body case for storing various parts, a cartridge mounting portion for detachably attaching a tape cartridge, and a plurality of photo interrupters arranged on an inner wall of the cartridge mounting portion. It is known to have an optical sensor such as) (see Patent Document 1, for example).

The tape cartridge is provided with a specification display seal for identifying the specifications of the printing tape and the printing ink on the side surface portion. The plurality of photo interrupters (optical sensors) of the tape printing apparatus are installed so as to face the specification display seal when the tape cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, and black ink is printed on the specification display portion formed on the specification display seal. Whether or not it is determined, and based on this detection result, the specification is identified.

Japanese Patent Publication 3247585

By the way, in this kind of tape printing apparatus, there is no choice but to provide a margin of manufacture tolerance between the tape cartridge and the cartridge mounting portion. As a result, the position of the mounted tape cartridge may shift by the tolerance. Therefore, the positional relationship of each photointerrupter (optical sensor) and the specification display part (specification display seal) formed in the tape cartridge will shift | deviate, and the position of the specification display part will be optimal for each photointerrupter to detect. There was a problem that it shifted away from the position. Thereby, there exists a possibility that the detection capability by each photo interrupter may fall, and the said specification cannot be correctly identified.

This invention is made | formed in order to solve at least one part of the above-mentioned subject, and can be implement | achieved as the following forms or application examples.

[Application Example 1]

The tape cartridge of this application example is a tape cartridge detachable in a detachable direction from a tape printing apparatus provided with a detection unit that irradiates a detection light portion provided on the tape cartridge to read type information of the tape cartridge from the detection unit. And a fitting portion provided on the wall surface along the detachable direction and a fitting portion provided from a wall surface on the inner side of the mounting direction, wherein the detected portion is provided at a position opposed to the detection portion when mounted along the fitting portion. It is characterized by being.

According to this application example, by mounting the tape cartridge to the tape printing apparatus along the fitting portion, the tape cartridge and the holder are integrated so that the position of the detection portion is positioned relative to the position of the portion to be detected. By positioning with this attachment, the positional relationship of a detection part and a to-be-detected part can be made into the optimal positional relationship.

In addition, when the tape cartridge is mounted, since the detection unit is provided so as to be opposed to the detection unit provided on the wall surface along the mounting direction of the tape cartridge, the distance between the detection unit and the detection unit can be shortened. It can make it hard to be affected by misalignment. That is, the optimum positional relationship between the detection unit and the unit to be detected can be maintained. In this way, the positional relationship between the detection unit and the unit to be detected can be made the optimum positional relationship, and the optimum positional relationship can be maintained, whereby the detection capability of the detection unit can be improved, and the type information of the tape cartridge can be improved. Can be read accurately.

In addition, a part to be detected corresponds here to the specification display part (specification display seal) in the background art mentioned above.

[Application Example 2]

In the tape cartridge according to the application example, it is preferable that the detected part includes a bit structure part.

According to this application example, by using the bit structure portion, identification information of the tape cartridge can be easily configured.

[Application Example 3]

In the tape cartridge according to the application example, it is preferable that the bit structure portion is arranged in a matrix shape.

According to this application example, by arranging the bit structure portions in a matrix form, more tape cartridge identification information can be configured in a limited space.

[Application Example 4]

In the tape cartridge according to the application example, it is preferable that the detected portion constitutes the type information by a combination of the identification portion provided in the bit structure portion.

According to this application example, by configuring the type information of the tape cartridge by the combination of the identification section provided in the bit configuration section, more and more identification information of the tape cartridge can be configured in a limited space.

[Application Example 5]

In the tape cartridge according to the application example, it is preferable that the detected part is adhered to the wall surface.

According to this application example, it becomes possible to form a to-be-detected part using the adhesive etc. which can be adhere | attached, for example, and a to-be-detected part can be easily provided in a wall surface.

[Application Example 6]

In the tape cartridge according to the application example, it is preferable that the detected part is drawn on the wall surface.

According to this application example, it is possible to form the part to be detected directly on the wall surface, and the cost can be reduced by the reduction of parts, the reduction of labor, such as adhesion.

1 is an external perspective view of a lid open state of the tape printing apparatus according to the embodiment.
2 is a plan view (a), a rear view (b), a front view (c), a back view (d), a left side view (e), and a right side view (f) of the tape cartridge according to the embodiment.
3 is a perspective view (a) seen from the top of the tape cartridge according to the embodiment, and a perspective view (b) seen from the back.
4: is AA sectional drawing (a) and BB sectional drawing (b) in FIG.2 (a).
Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the cartridge mounting portion of the tape printing apparatus.
6 is a plan view (a) and a perspective view (b) showing the periphery of the pattern reading portion of the tape printing apparatus.
FIG. 7: is a perspective view (a), a front view (b), and A-A 'line cross section (c) which show the sensor unit of a tape printing apparatus, and a back perspective view (d) of a sensor holder.
8 is a perspective view of the opening and closing lid viewed from the back side.
9 is a plan view (a) of the tape cartridge with the upper case and the lower case removed, and a rear view (b) of the upper case.
10 is an enlarged sectional view (a) of the platen drive shaft and the platen roller and an enlarged view (b) of the spline engaging portion thereof.
11 is a perspective view (a) of the cartridge mounting portion and an enlarged perspective view (b) around the base convex portion.
12 is an enlarged perspective view (a) seen from the right rear side of the tape cartridge, an enlarged perspective view (b) seen from the rear left side, and an enlarged plan view of the periphery of the core recess (c).
Fig. 13 is a sectional view (a) of a non-mounted state with respect to the cartridge mounting portion of the tape cartridge, and a sectional view (b) of the mount state.
Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view (a) in a non-mounted state and a cross-sectional view (b) in a mounted state of the cartridge mounting portion of the tape cartridge (first modification).
Fig. 15 is a cross sectional view (a) in a non-mounted state and a cross-sectional view (b) in a mounted state of the cartridge mounting portion of the tape cartridge (second modification).
It is a top view which shows the structure of the to-be-detected part in a tape cartridge.
It is a top view which shows the combination example of the identification part in a to-be-detected part.
It is a top view which shows the combination example of the identification part in a to-be-detected part.
It is a top view which shows the combination example of the identification part in a to-be-detected part.
It is a top view which shows the combination example of the identification part in a to-be-detected part.
It is a top view which shows the combination example of the identification part in a to-be-detected part.
It is a top view which shows the combination example of the identification part in the to-be-detected part.
It is a top view which shows the combination example of the identification part in the to-be-detected part.
It is a top view which shows the combination example of the identification part in the to-be-detected part.
25 is a plan view illustrating a modification of the identification unit.

(Form to carry out invention)

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, with reference to an accompanying drawing, the tape cartridge which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with the tape printing apparatus with which this is mounted. This tape printing apparatus prints, extracting a printing tape and an ink ribbon from the attached tape cartridge, cuts the printed part of a printing tape, and creates a label (tape piece).

[Overview of Tape Printing Device]

1 is an external perspective view of a tape printing apparatus and a tape cartridge attached thereto. As shown in the same drawing, the tape printing apparatus 1 includes an apparatus case 3 constituting an outer shell, a cartridge mounting portion 5 on which the tape cartridge 100 is detachably mounted, and a cartridge mounting portion ( 5) an opening and closing cover 7 for opening and closing is provided. On the upper surface of the device case 3, a cartridge mounting portion 5 is provided on the inner side, a display 11 is provided on the center, and a keyboard 13 is provided on the front side. In the vicinity of the opening / closing lid 7, a recess 15 for a finger hook is formed, and the opening / closing lid 7 is opened so as to spring through the recess 15. And the longitudinally long tape discharge port 17 from which the printing tape 102 is discharged is formed in the side surface (left side surface) of the apparatus case 3.

Moreover, the tape printing apparatus 1 includes the printing mechanism part 23 which has the print head 21 standing up in the cartridge mounting part 5, the tape feed mechanism part 25 built in the back space of the cartridge mounting part 5, And a tape cutting mechanism portion 27 built in the vicinity of the tape discharge port 17.

The user inputs print information from the keyboard 13, confirms the print information on the display 11, and executes printing by key operation. When printing is instructed, the tape transport mechanism 25 is driven to run the print tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110 in parallel, whereby the printing mechanism 23 prints by thermal transfer. . By this print transmission, the printing tape 102 is discharged from the tape discharge port 17, and when printing is completed, the tape cutting mechanism part 27 drives, and the printed part of the printing tape 102 is cut off.

[Overview of Tape Cartridges]

As shown to FIG. 2 and FIG. 9, the tape cartridge 100 has the tape roll 106 which wound the printing tape 102 to the tape core 104, and the ink ribbon 110 to the feeding core 112. As shown in FIG. The rolled ribbon roll 114 is provided. In addition, the tape cartridge 100 includes a winding core 116 for winding up the ink ribbon 110 after use, and the print head 21 abuts with the ink ribbon 110 and the printing tape 102 interposed therebetween. The platen roller 120 (platen) which conveys the printing tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110 together is provided. Moreover, the tape cartridge 100 is provided with the cartridge case 130 which accommodated these tape rolls 106, the ribbon roll 114, the winding core 116, and the platen roller 120. As shown in FIG. In this manner, the tape cartridge 100 of the present embodiment has a so-called shell structure in which the outer shell is covered with the cartridge case 130.

In the tape cartridge 100, an insertion opening 134 into which the print head 21 is inserted is formed in the cartridge case 130 when attached to the tape printing apparatus 1. Moreover, the tape cartridge 100 is provided in the cartridge case 130, and is provided with the tape delivery port 138 which the printing tape 102 is sent out. In addition, although the detail is mentioned later, the tape roll 106 is rotatably supported by the cylindrical core shaft part 192 protruding inwardly of the cartridge case 130 (refer FIG. 4).

When the platen roller 120 and the winding core 116 are driven by the tape transfer mechanism 25 described above, the printing tape 102 is fed out from the tape core 104 and the ink ribbon 110 is fed out. It is dispensed from 112. The drawn printing tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110 run along a portion of the platen roller 120 and are provided for printing by the print head 21. The dispensing end (printed portion) of the printing tape 102 which has been printed is sent out from the tape discharging port 138 toward the tape discharging port 17. On the other hand, the ink ribbon 110 is wound around the circumferential wall portion of the insertion opening 134 and wound around the winding core 116. In addition, the tape cartridge 100 is provided with a plurality of types having different thicknesses depending on the tape width of the printing tape 102.

[Details of Tape Printing Device]

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, the cartridge mounting part 5 is formed in planar shape complementary to the planar shape of the tape cartridge 100, and has the largest thickness among the several types of tape cartridges 100 which can be attached. It has a depth corresponding to the tape cartridge 100, and is formed in a dent. In this case, the mounting base 31 and the side plate portion 33 constituting the bottom plate portion of the cartridge mounting portion 5 are integrally formed (molded) with resin or the like. A slit-shaped tape discharge path 35 is formed between the cartridge mounting portion 5 and the tape discharge port 17, and the tape cutting mechanism portion 27 is built in this portion.

When the tape cartridge 100 is mounted on the mounting base 31 of the cartridge mounting portion 5, the inner peripheral portion of the core shaft portion 192 (see FIG. 4) of the tape cartridge 100 is fitted as an identification means. The base convex part 40 is installed upright. Although the details will be described later, the base convex portion 40 has a circular pedestal portion 41 that stands on the mounting base 31 and an identification convex portion 42 that stands on the pedestal portion 41. have.

The mounting base 31 further includes a print head 21 covered with the head cover 43, a platen drive shaft 45 for rotationally driving the platen roller 120, and a winding core 116 for rotation. The winding drive shaft 47 is installed upright. Moreover, in the mounting base 31 located in the vicinity of the winding drive shaft 47, the tape detection part 51 which detects the type (property information) of the printing tape 102, the feeding core 112, and the winding core 116 are carried out. The core release part 53 which releases the rotation stop of () is formed.

In addition, a pair of small protrusions 55 are formed in the mounting base 31 at a diagonal position, and a pair of locking fixing pieces 57 are formed to fasten and fix an intermediate portion of the tape cartridge 100 to be mounted. have. On the other hand, in the rear space of the mounting base 31, the above-mentioned tape feed mechanism 25 having a motor and a gear train (both not shown) for rotating the platen drive shaft 45 and the take-up drive shaft 47 is built-in. have. The tape feed mechanism 25 is driven in a gear train to synchronously rotate the platen drive shaft 45 and the take-up drive shaft 47.

On the other hand, the side plate portion 33 (front side) of the cartridge mounting portion 5 serves as a detection portion that reads the bit pattern (type reading pattern) of the type reading seal 143 as the detection portion formed on the side of the tape cartridge 100. The pattern reading part 59 is provided. In this embodiment, the tape detection unit 51 detects (recognizes) the tape width of the printing tape 102 accommodated in the tape cartridge 100, and the pattern reading unit 59 removes the tape width except the tape width. The type information of the cartridge 100 (tape color or material of the accepted printing tape 102, ribbon color of the ink ribbon 110, etc. received) is recognized. The details of the bit pattern (type reading pattern) of the pattern reading unit 59 and the type reading seal 143 will be described later.

The print mechanism 23 includes a print head 21 composed of a thermal head, a head support frame 61 for rotating and moving the support head 21, and a print head (eg, a head support frame 61). It has a head release mechanism (not shown) which rotates 21 between a printing position and a retracted position, and the head cover 43 which covers the printing head 21 (and the head support frame 61).

The head release mechanism operates in conjunction with the opening and closing of the opening and closing lid 7 above, moves the print head 21 to the printing position (rotating movement) in conjunction with the closing operation of the opening and closing lid 7, In conjunction with this, the print head 21 is moved (rotated) to the retracted position. The print head 21 moved to the printing position contacts the platen roller 120 of the tape cartridge 100 with the ink ribbon 110 and the printing tape 102 interposed therebetween, and moves to the retracted position. The head 21 is separated from the platen roller 120. As a result, when the tape cartridge 100 is attached or detached, the interference of the print tape 102 or the ink ribbon 110 to the print head 21 is prevented.

A plurality of heat generating elements are formed in the print head 21, and the plurality of heat generating elements are formed in rows in the same direction as the axial direction of the platen roller 120. And printing is performed by the conveyance of the printing tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110, and the selective drive of several heat generating elements. The head cover 43 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and is integrally formed (molded) with the mounting base 31 (the cartridge mounting portion 5). Moreover, the head cover 43 protrudes perpendicularly from the mounting base 31, and allows the rotational movement of the print head 21 in the inside.

The tape detection unit 51 is composed of a plurality of micro switches 51a, selectively engaged with the to-be-detected unit 180 (see FIG. 3) of the tape cartridge 100 described later, and the print tape 102. The type of tape width, tape color, material, etc. are detected. And based on this detection result, the drive of the print head 21 and the tape conveyance mechanism part 25 is controlled.

The core release part 53 is comprised from two release pins 53a for the feeding core 112 and the winding core 116. Although details will be described later, the cartridge case 130 is provided with a rotation stop hook 206 that is locked to the feeding core 112 and the winding core 116, respectively (see FIG. 9). When the tape cartridge 100 is attached, the release pin 53a is engaged with these rotation stop hooks 206, and the rotation stop of the feeding core 112 and the winding core 116 is released.

The platen drive shaft 45 includes a fixed support shaft 48 provided so as to insert the platen roller 120 therein, and a spline drive shaft having a spline shape rotatably supported on a base of the fixed support shaft 48 ( 49) (drive shaft) (refer FIG. 5 and FIG. 10). The rotational power of the tape feed mechanism 25 is transmitted to this spline drive shaft 49 and is also transmitted from the spline drive shaft 49 to the platen roller 120 (it mentions later).

Similarly, the winding drive shaft 47 has the fixed shaft 47a and the spline-shaped movable shaft 47b rotatably supported by the fixed shaft 47a. Also in this case, the rotational power of the tape feed mechanism part 25 is transmitted to the movable shaft 47b, and is also transmitted to the winding core 116 from the movable shaft 47b.

When the tape cartridge 100 is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 5, the core shaft portion 192 (core recessed portion 260 described later) is engaged with the base convex portion 40 (see FIG. 13), and the platen drive shaft ( The platen roller 120 is engaged with 45, and the winding core 116 is engaged with the winding drive shaft 47. Then, when the opening / closing cover 7 is closed, the print head 21 is rotated so as to contact the platen roller 120 with the print tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110 interposed therebetween, thereby adhering the tape printing device ( 1) becomes a print standby state.

As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5, and FIG. 8, the opening / closing cover 7 is attached to the apparatus case 3 freely rotationally, ie, opening and closing freely via the hinge part 71 provided in the inner side. The opening / closing lid 7 has an opening / closing lid body 73 and an observation window 75 formed in the center of the opening / closing lid body 73. Moreover, the opening / closing cover 7 protrudes in the back surface of the opening-closing cover main body 73, and the pair of shaft support pieces 77 which are axially supported by the hinge part 71 to be rotatable freely, and the opening / closing cover main body 73 It has an operation lever 79 which protrudes on the back surface of and rotates the print head 21. Moreover, the opening / closing cover 7 protrudes on the back surface of the opening / closing cover main body 73, and is formed to protrude on the back surface of the opening / closing cover main body 73 and the two indentation protrusions 81 which press-fit the tape cartridge 100. And a pressing protrusion 83 for activating (ON) the cover closure detection switch (not shown) incorporated therein.

The observation window 75 is formed long horizontally, and is comprised from resin which is transparent (transparent to visible light) which becomes a separate body from the opening-closing cover main body 73. Over this observation window 75, the tape cartridge 100 attached to the cartridge mounting portion 5 can be visually recognized (the type of the print tape 102 or the remaining tape amount). In addition, the pair of shaft support pieces 77, the operation lever 79, the two press-in protrusions 81 and the press-down protrusion 83, and the opening and closing cover body 73 are integrally formed (molded) with resin. have.

The actuation lever 79 protrudes greatly from the rear surface of the opening and closing lid body 73 and is inserted into the slit opening 87 formed on the side of the cartridge mounting portion 5 with the closing of the opening and closing lid 7. . The operation lever 79 inserted into the slit opening 87 operates the head release mechanism described above to rotate the print head 21 toward the platen roller 120. Similarly, the pressing projection 83 is inserted into the rectangular opening 91 adjacent to the slit opening 87 with the closing of the opening / closing cover 7 to turn on the lid closing detection switch.

One indentation protrusion 81 corresponds to a position near the platen roller 120 of the tape cartridge 100, and the other indentation protrusion 81 is directly above the tape detection unit 51. Corresponds to the location. When the opening / closing cover 7 is closed, the two press-in protrusions 81 press-fit the tape cartridge 100 so as to seat the mounting base 31 of the cartridge mounting portion 5, Prevent injuries.

[The details of the tape cartridge]

Next, the tape cartridge 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 and 9. In addition, in the description of the tape cartridge 100, the surface of the mounting direction front which is the upper front of the tape cartridge 100 is "surface" in FIG. 1 as an example, and the surface of the mounting direction inner side of the opposite side is "back surface", The left side is the "left side", the right side is the "right side", the upper arc side is the "leading end surface", and the lower side is the "base end surface." It shall be referred to as.

The tape cartridge 100 is provided with the cartridge case 130, the tape roll 106, the ribbon roll 114, the winding core 116, and the platen roller 120 accommodated in this as mentioned above. (See Figure 9). In addition, the tape cartridge 100 includes an insertion opening 134 formed in the cartridge case 130, a tape delivery port 138 formed on the left side in the vicinity of the platen roller 120, and a tape roll 106. The identification seal 141 (refer FIG. 1) adhere | attached over the surface, the left side, and the right side of the site | part which accommodates (). In the identification seal 141, the tape width, tape color, material, and the like (part of the attribute information) of the accommodated print tape 102 are displayed at two places on the surface and the left side.

The cartridge case 130 constitutes the outer periphery of the tape cartridge 100 (shell structure), and shows the external appearance of the "L" shape from the plane which the base end side of the right side surface slightly protruded. In the front and back direction, the cartridge case 130 has the lower case 150 which becomes an inner side and the upper case 152 which becomes a front side when attached to the cartridge mounting part 5. In the cartridge case 130 of the embodiment, the upper case 152 is formed of a molded article of transparent resin, and the lower case 150 is composed of a molded article of opaque resin.

The upper case 152 is integrally formed (molded) by the ceiling wall portion 156 constituting the surface of the cartridge case 130 and the upper circumferential wall portion 158 perpendicular to the peripheral portion of the ceiling wall portion 156. In addition, the lower case 150 includes a bottom wall portion 160 constituting the rear surface of the cartridge case 130, a lower circumference wall 162 provided on the periphery of the bottom wall portion 160, and the insertion opening 134. ) Is integrally formed (molded) with the opening circumferential wall portion 164 provided upright on the bottom wall portion 160 for forming the ().

On the lower end surface of the upper circumferential wall portion 158 in the upper case 152, a plurality of joining pins 170 are formed at appropriate intervals, while the lower circumferential wall 162 of the lower case 150 has a plurality of these. A plurality of joining holes 172 are formed corresponding to the joining pins 170 of FIG. 9 (see FIG. 9). After setting the component parts, such as the tape roll 106 and the ribbon roll 114, to the lower case 150, the upper case 152 so that the some bonding pin 170 may be press-fitted into the some bonding hole 172. By joining the tape cartridge 100, the tape cartridge 100 is assembled. In addition, each joining hole 172 is a through hole in consideration of the ease of shaping | molding.

On the other hand, on the left side and the right side of the lower case 150, a pair of locking fixing accommodation portions 174 are fixed to the pair of locking fixing pieces 57 described above (Fig. 2 (e), (f) and FIG. 3 (b)). The pair of locking pieces 57 on the side of the cartridge mounting portion 5 are fixed to the pair of locking fixing portions 174 of the mounted tape cartridges 100, thereby preventing the injuries of the tape cartridges 100. do. In addition, a fitting small hole 176 is formed on the rear surface of the lower case 150 in which the pair of small protrusions 55 are fitted with a slight margin (see FIG. 3 (b)). The pair of small protrusions 55 on the cartridge mounting portion 5 side are fitted to the pair of fitting holes 176 of the mounted tape cartridge 100, thereby providing a tape on the mounting base 31. Simple positioning of the cartridge 100 is made.

Moreover, the tape to-be-detected part 180 corresponding to said tape detection part 51 is formed in the back surface of the lower case 150 in the left corner part (right corner part from the surface side) of the base end surface side. (See Figure 3 (b)). The tape detected part 180 is comprised in the part corresponding to the some micro switch 51a of the tape detection part 51, and obtains a some bit pattern by the presence or absence of the accommodation hole 180a formed in this part. Doing. In other words, this bit pattern corresponds to the type of printing tape 102 described above.

In addition, the tape cartridge 100 includes the type display seal 141 (see FIG. 1) adhered to the surface, the left side, and the right side of the portion where the tape roll 106 is accommodated, and the lower case of the cartridge case 130. A type reading seal 143 (see FIGS. 2C and 3) is provided as a portion to be detected, which is attached to the base end surface 150a of the case 150.

On the type display seal 141, type information of the tape cartridge 100 (tape width, tape color, material, etc. of the accommodated print tape 102) is displayed.

On the other hand, a bit constitution portion 145 is formed on the type reading seal 143 as the detected portion, and in this bit constitution portion 145, the type information of the tape cartridge 100 (tape color of the printed tape 102 accommodated) The identification part 147 which comprises the bit pattern (class read pattern) which shows the material, the material, the ribbon color of the accommodated ink ribbon 110, etc. is arrange | positioned (refer FIG. 16). In addition, the detail of the bit structure part 145 and the identification part 147 which comprises a bit pattern (type read pattern) is mentioned later.

2 (c) and 3, a read seal adhesive portion 175 for adhering the type read seal 143 may be formed on the base end surface 150a of the lower case 150. . The read seal bonding portion 175 is formed by recessing the rectangular recessed portion with respect to the base end surface 150a so as to have a depth of the thickness (or more than the thickness) of the type reading seal 143. The read seal adhesion portion 175 prevents the type read seal 143 from protruding from the base end surface 150a.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the tape accommodation area 190 in which the tape roll 106 is accommodated is comprised in the upper space (front surface side) in the cartridge case 130 widely. In the center of the tape receiving area 190, a core shaft portion 192 integrally formed (molded) with the lower case 150 is provided. The core shaft portion 192 is formed in a stepped cylindrical shape, and a tape roll 106 (tape core 104) is axially rotatably supported on the outer circumferential surface 192b (see FIG. 4).

Although details will be described later, the core concave portion 260 in which the base convex portion 40 is fitted is formed on the inner circumferential side of the core shaft portion 192 formed in the stepped cylindrical shape. The core recessed part 260 identifies as a fitting means by which the depressed part 262 with which the base part 41 of the base convex part 40 is fitted, and the identification convex part 42 are fitted. It has a recess 264. Moreover, the spring 193 for reverse rotation stop of the tape roll 106 comprised by the coil spring is inserted in the upper part of the core recessed part 260. As shown in FIG.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the tape guide 194 which is located in the vicinity of the platen roller 120, guides the drawn printing tape 102 to the platen roller 120 in the tape accommodating area 190. Temporarily installed on the lower case 150 is installed. That is, inside the cartridge case 130, a tape conveying path 196 is formed starting from the tape roll 106 and passing through the tape guide 194 and the platen roller 120 to the tape delivery port 138. Consists of. The print tape 102 drawn out of the tape roll 106 is guided to the platen roller 120 through the tape guide 194, and is provided here for printing, and further, the tape transfer from the platen roller 120. Guided to exit 138.

The tape roll 106 has a printing tape 102 and a tape core 104, and has two circular films 198 bonded to both end surfaces of the roll-shaped printing tape 102. These two circular films 198 prevent the sagging of the printing tape 102 wound on the tape core 104.

As shown to FIG. 4 and FIG. 9, the tape core 104 formed through the reel part 104a by which the printing tape 102 was wound, and the some inward rib 104b inside the reel part 104a. It has a rolling contact portion 104c, and is rotatably supported by the above-described core shaft portion 192 by the rolling contact portion 104c. Further, a plurality of radial cross-sectional grooves 104d are formed in the cross section of the rolling contact portion 104c, and the reverse rotation stop spring 193 is caught or detached from the cross-sectional groove 104d. have. That is, a vertical slit 192a extending in the axial direction is formed on the upper portion of the core shaft portion 192, and an end of the wire material of the spring 193 for reverse rotation protrudes from the vertical slit 192a. And the end face groove 104d of the cloud contact portion 104c.

When conveying the tape cartridge 100, the reverse rotation stop spring 193 prevents the reverse rotation of the tape roll 106 (print tape 102). On the other hand, when the tape cartridge 100 is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 5, the spring 193 for reverse rotation stop is compressed by the base convex portion 40, and the end of the wire rod is the end face groove of the rolling contact portion 104c. The reverse rotation stop is released by releasing from 104d (both in FIG. 13). As a result, the printing tape 102 can be transferred.

As shown in FIG. 9, on the right side of the base in the cartridge case 130, a ribbon receiving area 200 is formed adjacent to the insertion opening 134. The feeding side bearing part 202 which supports the ribbon roll 114 (feeding core 112) rotatably freely near the right side of the ribbon accommodation area 200, and also the winding core 116 freely rotates near the left side. The winding side bearing part 204 to support is integrally formed in the cartridge case 130, respectively. That is, the feed side bearing part 202 and the winding side bearing part 204 are formed in the upper case 152 and the lower case 150, respectively.

In the cutout portions of the feeding side bearing portion 202 and the winding side bearing portion 204 formed on the lower case 150, the rotation stops are directed toward the feeding side bearing portion 202 and the winding side bearing portion 204. The hooks 206 are formed integrally with each other. And one rotation stop hook 206 is engaged with the feed core 112, and the other rotation stop hook 206 is engaged with the winding core 116 in rotation stop state, respectively.

Located in the vicinity of the feeding side bearing part 202, the ribbon accommodating area 200 is provided with the 1st ribbon guide 210 which guides the drawn ink ribbon 110 to the platen roller 120, The lower case 150 It is installed upright in a unit. Moreover, the some 2nd ribbon guide 212 which guides the circumference | surroundings of the ink ribbon 110 is integrally formed in the outer peripheral side of the said opening peripheral wall part 164.

That is, the inside of the cartridge case 130, the ribbon roll 114 as a starting point, the winding core (via the first ribbon guide 210, the platen roller 120 and the plurality of second ribbon guide 212 ( A ribbon transport path 214 leading to 116 is configured. The ink ribbon 110 drawn out from the ribbon roll 114 is guided to the platen roller 120 through the first ribbon guide 210, where it is provided for printing, and further from the platen roller 120. The opening circumferential wall portion 164 (a plurality of second ribbon guides 212) is wound around the winding core 116.

The ribbon roll 114 has the ink ribbon 110 and the drawing | feeding-out core 112, and has the round annular leaf spring 220 which gives a braking load to the drawing | feeding-out core 112 (FIG. 9 ( b)). The leaf spring 220 is formed in a wave shape in the circumferential direction, and is interposed between the top wall portion 156 of the upper case 152 and the feeding core 112 in the axial direction. That is, the rotation braking load is applied to the feeding core 112 by the elastic force of the leaf spring 220. Thereby, back tension is provided to the ink ribbon 110 drawn out by the winding core 116, and the looseness is prevented.

The drawing | feeding-out core 112 is formed in cylindrical shape, and the some notch 222 is formed in the circumferential direction at the edge part of the lower case 150 side (refer FIG.3 (b)). In the plurality of notches 222, the rotation stop hook 206 is caught or disengaged. In addition, although the feeding side bearing part 202 of the lower case 150 side which supports the feeding core 112 is comprised by the circular opening, the feeding side bearing part 202 of the upper case 152 side is a cylindrical cylinder. Consists of a protruding part of the shape. And the said leaf spring 220 is attached to this protruding part (both see FIG.9 (b)).

Similarly, the winding core 116 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of notches 224 are formed at the end portion of the lower case 150 side in the circumferential direction (see FIG. 3B). The plurality of cutouts 224 are engaged with or detached from the rotation stop hook 206. In addition, a spline-shaped slit groove 226 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the winding core 116, and is splined to the winding drive shaft 47. Thereby, the rotational force of the winding drive shaft 47 is transmitted to the winding core 116, and the ink ribbon 110 is wound up.

On the left side of the base in the cartridge case 130, a platen accommodation area 230 is formed adjacent to the insertion opening 134. In the center of the platen accommodating area 230, an image of the lower bearing portion 234 of the elliptic opening formed in the lower case 150 and the elliptic opening formed in the upper case 152 is formed. The bearing part 232 (refer FIG. 9 (b)) is provided. The platen roller 120 is supported by the upper bearing portion 232 and the lower bearing portion 234 so as to be able to rotate freely and to move laterally slightly. That is, the platen roller 120 supported by the elliptical upper bearing portion 232 and the lower bearing portion 234 has a groove position engaged with the platen drive shaft 45 and a printing tape 102 therebetween. It is comprised so that lateral movement (microscopic movement) is possible between the pinching positions which contact | engage and contact the tape guide 194.

By the way, this tape cartridge 100 is conveyed in the state which projected the dispensing edge part of the printing tape 102 to the outside slightly from the tape delivery port 138 (refer FIG. 1). At this time, if a pressing force or a phosphorus input acts on the dispensing end of the printing tape 102 by mistake, the platen roller 120 attracted to this will move to the said sandwiching position. As a result, the feeding end of the printing tape 102 is prevented from being drawn into the cartridge case 130 from the tape delivery port 138.

The platen roller 120 has the cylindrical roller base 240 and the rubber roller 242 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the roller base 240 (refer FIG. 10). The rubber roller 242 has a length corresponding to the print head 21 in the axial direction, and the print head 21 moved to the printing position has the print tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110 interposed therebetween. It is in contact with the rubber roller 242.

Further, a spline boss portion 244 as a fitting portion is formed at the base of the roller body 240, and the spline drive shaft 49 (drive shaft) of the platen drive shaft 45 is formed at the spline boss portion 244. This spline is fitted (see FIG. 10). Thereby, the rotational force of the platen drive shaft 45 is transmitted to the platen roller 120, and the printing tape 102 (and the ink ribbon 110) is print-transferred.

[Structure of Core Concave and Platen Roller]

Next, referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, the base convex portion 40 and the platen of the cartridge mounting portion 5 with respect to the structures of the core recess 260 and the platen roller 120 of the tape cartridge 100 are described. It demonstrates in detail with the strong drive shaft 45. FIG. As described above, the platen drive shaft 45 and the base convex portion 40 are formed in the cartridge mounting portion 5 so as to be spaced apart from each other, and correspondingly, the platen roller 120 and the core recess are formed in the tape cartridge 100. The part 260 is formed.

As shown in FIG.10 (a), the platen drive shaft 45 is the fixed support shaft 48 and the fixed support shaft 48 which were installed in the apparatus frame 270 located under the mounting base 31, and the fixed support shaft 48. As shown in FIG. It has a spline drive shaft 49 rotatably supported at the bottom of the. The fixed support shaft 48 is fixed to the device frame 270 by a cantilever and extends in the attaching / detaching direction of the tape cartridge 100 through the mounting base 31. The spline drive shaft 49 has a base gear portion 272 and a spline shaft portion 274 extending from the gear portion 272. The gear portion 272 has a gear train of the tape feed mechanism 25. It is connected.

On the other hand, the platen roller 120 has the roller base 240 and the rubber roller 242 as mentioned above, and the spline boss part 244 is formed in the base of the roller base 240. That is, the spline boss part 244 which the spline meshes with the said spline shaft part 274 is formed in the roller base 240.

When the tape cartridge 100 is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 5, the fixed support shaft 48 of the platen drive shaft 45 is inserted into the roller body 240 of the platen roller 120. The spline shaft portion 274 of the platen drive shaft 45 is engaged with the spline boss portion 244 of the platen roller 120.

As shown in FIG. 10 (b), a plurality of spline teeth 274a are formed in the spline shaft portion 274 in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of spline teeth 274a corresponding to the plurality of spline teeth 274a are formed in the spline boss portion 244. Spline grooves 244a are formed. In this case, unlike the general spline structure, the number of grooves of the spline groove 244a is larger than the number of teeth of the spline teeth 274a. The spacing in the circumferential direction of the plurality of spline grooves 244a is formed larger than the spacing in the circumferential direction of the plurality of spline teeth 274a. Specifically, the number of grooves of the spline groove 244a is six, the number of teeth of the spline teeth 274a is three, and the spline teeth 274a are meshed with every other spline groove 244a. In addition, the inner peripheral surface base of the spline boss part 244 is chamfered, and has become what is called a guide shape (refer FIG. 10 (a)).

In this way, the spline shaft portion 274 is fitted to the spline boss portion 244 by the difference between the number of grooves and the number of teeth in the spline engagement and the guide shape of the spline boss portion 244. This is done smoothly. That is, the tape cartridge 100 is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 5 smoothly.

As shown to FIG. 11 and FIG. 13, the base convex part 40 is the pedestal part 41 which stood up on the mounting base 31, and the identification convex part 42 which stood up on the base part 41 and installed. It is formed integrally with). The pedestal part 41 is formed circularly, and has the notch opening part 280 in a part of the circumferential direction. In addition, the identification convex part 42 is the convex part main body 282 of circumferential shape (hollow), the four protrusion parts 284 provided so that cross shape may be formed in the outer peripheral surface of the convex part main body 282, and the convex part main body The tongue piece 286 protruded in the radial direction so that it may follow the upper surface of the pedestal part 41 from 282.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the core concave portion 260 includes a recessed portion 262 to which the base portion 41 of the base convex portion 40 fits, and an identification convex portion 42. It has the identification recessed part 264 fitted. The depression 262 and the identification recess 264 constitute an integral space. And the fitting convex part 290 (protrusion part) corresponding to the notch opening part 280 is formed in the identification recessed part 264 so that it may protrude in the axial direction toward this space. Moreover, the fitting recessed part 292 corresponding to the tongue piece 286 of the identification protrusion 42 is formed in the identification recessed part 264 so that it may be immersed in this space.

When the tape cartridge 100 is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 5, the base portion 41 of the base convex portion 40 is fitted to the depression 262 of the core concave portion 260, and at the same time, the base convex portion The identification convex part 42 of 40 fits into the identification concave part 264 of the core concave part 260 (refer FIG. 13). In addition, in accordance with this fitting, the fitting convex portion 290 is fitted into the cutout opening 280, and the tongue piece 286 is fitted into the fitting recess 292.

By the way, in the tape cartridge 100 of this embodiment, the tape roll 106 is extremely heavy among the component parts, and the center exists in the vicinity of the tape core 104 in plan view. For this reason, when the tape cartridge 100 is gripped at the time of mounting, unless the tape cartridge 100 is particularly aware, the leading portion of the tape cartridge 100 is inclined obliquely downward. In this case, before the identification convex portion 42 fits the identification concave portion 264, the identification convex portion 42 easily collides with the depression 262, and thus the tape cartridge 100 inclined. Posture is corrected. That is, in mounting, since the tape cartridge 100 is correct | amended in a horizontal attitude | position, mounting can be performed smoothly (it mentions later for details).

In this embodiment, the cartridge type can be identified by the cooperation of the core concave portion 260 and the base convex portion 40. In this case, the cartridge type is not the type of the printing tape 102 (the tape type is determined by the tape detection unit 51), for example, a use (industrial or home use), a shipping area (from the US or Europe), or the like. Identify.

For this reason, although not shown in particular, according to the shipment area which shifted the position of the fitting recess 292 in the core recess 260 by 90 degree pitch in the circumferential direction (the phase shifted | deviated), A plurality of types of tape cartridges 100 of different uses are prepared. In addition, in response to this, a plurality of types of tape printing apparatuses 1 for each shipment region (by use) are prepared so as to shift the phase of the tongue piece 286 in the base convex portion 40 (first identification pattern). ).

Further, in order to increase the number of cartridge types, the pattern (notch opening 280 in the base convex portion 40) in which the phase of the fitting convex portion 290 in the core concave portion 260 is shifted. Pattern shifted in phase) is also added (second identification pattern). Instead of shifting the phase (first identification pattern and / or second identification pattern) or in addition to shifting the phase, a fitting recess 292 (tongue 286) or a fitting convex portion is provided. You may make it change the shape of 290 (notched opening 280).

As mentioned above, according to the tape cartridge 100 of this embodiment, since the identification recessed part 264 is provided in the recessed part 262, the identification convex part 42 of the base convex part 40 in attachment | attachment. Before the identification concave portion 264 starts to fit, the identification convex portion 42 hits the depression 262 once, and the attitude of the tape cartridge 100 is corrected. For this reason, the spline boss part 244 may start fitting with the spline drive shaft 49 (spline shaft part 274) before the identification concave part 264 starts fitting with the identification convex part 42. FIG. Can increase. In other words, in the mounting of the tape cartridge 100, the fitting can be started from the spline boss portion 244 even if the mounting is started in an inclined posture.

As a result, problems such as the spline boss portion 244 being blocked by the spline drive shaft 49 can be suppressed. In addition, the fitting of the spline boss 244 precedes the identification recess 264, so that the inclination and the position of the tape cartridge 100 can be corrected at the start of mounting. Further, by setting the difference in timing between the fitting start of the spline boss 244 and the fitting start of the identification recess 264, the impact force at the time of mounting can also be dispersed. Therefore, the tape cartridge 100 can be attached to the mounting portion of the tape printing apparatus 1 smoothly.

In addition, since the identification recessed portion 264 is formed in the recessed portion 262, the identification recessed portion 264 (core shaft portion 192) can be substantially shortened, so that an appropriate strength can be provided. In addition, the identification concave portion 264 is unlikely to receive a direct impact force against the drop impact or the like. Therefore, the identification recessed part 264 can be made into the structure which is hard to be damaged. Moreover, even if there are protrusions, such as the fitting convex part 290 fitted in the identification recessed part 264, by the recessed part 262, this does not protrude from the outer surface of the tape cartridge 100, and the tape cartridge 100 In the case of overlapping storage, the fitting convex portion 290 or the like does not interfere.

[First Modification]

Next, with reference to FIG. 14, the 1st modified example of the said embodiment is demonstrated. As shown in the same figure, in this 1st modification, the cartridge detection part 300 (operation part) is inserted in the base convex part 40. As shown in FIG. The cartridge detecting unit 300 operates the fitting convex portion 290 of the core concave portion 260 as an operating portion, and detects the mounting of the appropriate tape cartridge 100 in the cartridge type described above. Therefore, the fitting convex part 290 in a 1st modification functions also as a to-be-detected part on the tape cartridge 100 side.

The cartridge detection part 300 is joined to the inside of the pedestal part 41 in the base convex part 40, and the actuated member 302 which moves down from the fitting convex part 290 which is an operation part, It has the switch main body 304 which contacts the to-be-operated member 302 from a lower side. The switch main body 304 is comprised with the micro switch etc. which were fixedly formed. In addition, the actuated member 302 is formed in a cap shape, and is freely installed on the inner circumferential surface of the pedestal portion 41.

When the tape cartridge 100 is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 5, the fitting convex portion 290 of the core concave portion 260 passes through the cutout opening 280 of the base convex portion 40. ) And move it down. The switch main body 304 is activated (ON) by the downward movement of the actuated member 302, so that the mounting of the tape cartridge 100 is detected.

In this manner, according to the first modification, by forming the cartridge detection unit 300 in the base convex portion 40, it is possible to detect that the tape cartridge 100 appropriate for the shipment region (per use) is properly attached. In addition, the cartridge detecting unit 300 has a structure in which the switch main body 304 is operated through the actuated member 302, and since the actuated member 302 is formed in a cap shape, a notch opening for cartridge identification. Even if the position or shape of the 280 is changed, it is not necessary to change the cartridge detection unit 300 side.

In addition, when the sending area (use), such as for cold districts, exists in the tape cartridge 100, based on the detection result of the cartridge detection part 300, the tape printing apparatus 1 is switched to a cold district mode, etc. You may perform an operation.

Second Modification

Next, with reference to FIG. 15, the 2nd modified example of the said embodiment is demonstrated. As shown in the same figure, in this 2nd modification, in the cartridge detection part 300 inserted in the inside of the base convex part 40, the actuated member 302A has the structure which doubles as the tongue 286. . Therefore, in the 2nd modification, the fitting recess 292 of the core recess 260 corresponding to the tongue 286 functions as a to-be-detected part by the tape cartridge 100 side.

In this cartridge detection unit 300, the actuated member 302A is formed integrally with the shaft portion 310 and the tongue-shaped portion 312 serving as the tongue piece 286. The shaft portion 310 is freely provided on the inner circumferential surface of the convex portion main body 282 in the base convex portion 40. Moreover, the tongue-shaped part 312 is freely installed in the L-shaped slit part 316 formed from the side surface of the convex part main body 282 over the upper surface of the pedestal part 41. In this case, the tongue-shaped portion 312 is set at a position where the initial position is slightly higher than the tongue tongue 286 in consideration of the operating stroke.

When the tape cartridge 100 is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 5, the fitting recess 292 (top surface) of the core recess 260 fits the tongue 312 of the actuated member 302A. In contact, moves the actuated member 302A downward. The switch main body 304 is activated (ON) by the downward movement of this actuated member 302A, and the mounting of the tape cartridge 100 is detected.

As described above, according to the second modification, by providing the cartridge detection unit 300 in the base convex portion 40, it is possible to detect that the tape cartridge 100 appropriate for the shipment region (per use) is properly attached. In addition, since the actuated member 302A also serves as the tongue piece 286, the number of parts can be reduced.

[Details of Pattern Reading Unit]

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5-7, the pattern reading part 59 as a detection part is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the pattern reading part 59 as a detection part is formed in the front side of the side plate part 33 of the cartridge mounting part 5, and is provided toward the inside of the cartridge mounting part 5. As shown in FIG. . That is, the pattern reading part 59 opposes the base end surface (base end surface 150a of the lower case 150) of the tape cartridge 100 when the tape cartridge 100 is mounted to the cartridge mounting part 5. Installed at the location. The pattern reading unit 59 includes a sensor unit 400 provided toward the inside of the cartridge mounting unit 5, a unit support unit 402 for freely supporting the sensor unit 400, and a cartridge mounting unit for the sensor unit 400. The unit elastic support part 404 which elastically supports to the inside of (5) is provided.

The unit support part 402 is formed in the opening part 33a opened in the side plate part 33 of the cartridge mounting part 5, and supports the sensor unit 400 freely inside and outside of the cartridge mounting part 5, have.

The unit elastic support part 404 has a pair of left and right coil springs 406, and a pair of spring accommodating parts 424 formed in the sensor unit 400 by the pair of coil springs 406 (described later). Elastic support. That is, the unit elastic support part 404 elastically supports the sensor unit 400 inside the cartridge mounting part 5 via a pair of coil spring 406 through a pair of spring accommodating part 424. As shown in FIG. . By the elastic support, in the state where the tape cartridge 100 is not attached, the sensor unit 400 will be in the state which protruded inward of the cartridge mounting part 5. In the state where the tape cartridge 100 is mounted, the sensor unit 400 is elastically supported toward the tape cartridge 100 side, and the sensor unit 400 is pressed against the proximal end surface of the tape cartridge 100. Becomes

As shown in FIG. 7, the sensor unit 400 includes a sensor unit 410 (detection unit) in which a plurality of optical sensors 409 are mounted on a sensor substrate 408, and a sensor holder in which the sensor unit 410 is mounted. 412 (holder) is provided. The sensor substrate 408 is attached to the proximal end of the sensor holder 412 in a vertical posture. In this way, the sensor substrate 408 is attached to the sensor holder 412, whereby the sensor holder 412 holds the sensor portion 410.

The plurality of optical sensors 409 are provided on the sensor substrate 408 in a matrix form in two rows and four columns similarly to the bit constitution unit 145 (see FIG. 3) (FIG. 7B). Reference). In addition, each of the plurality of optical sensors 409 is constituted by an optical non-contact sensor of the light reflection type, and irradiates the detection light to each of the bit constitution units 145 (identification unit 147), and each bit. The reflected light from the component 145 (identification unit 147) is received. As mentioned above, the identification part 147 in each bit structure part 145 shows bit information according to whether black ink is printed in the white area printing area, and each optical sensor ( 409 determines whether or not the reflected light from each of the bit configuration units 145 (identification unit 147) (strictly whether or not the amount of light is a certain amount or more) is determined by the identification unit 147 in the bit configuration unit 145. It is detected whether or not black ink is printed (whether or not the identification section 147 is formed), and based on the detection result, the bit information indicated by the bit configuration section 145 is read. The sensor unit 410 reads the bit pattern by reading the bit information of each bit constitution unit 145 by the plurality of optical sensors 409, and reads the type information of the tape cartridge 100 corresponding thereto. Read it.

The sensor holder 412 is formed from a trapezoidal holder main body 420 viewed from the side, a pair of upper and lower hooks 422 protruding from the holder main body 420 toward the proximal end, and a proximal end of the holder main body 420. A pair of left and right spring receiving portions 424 protruding from side to side, a positioning pin 426 (fitting portion) formed at the right front side of the holder main body 420, a positioning pin 426 and a holder main body ( The connection part 428 which connects 420 is provided. The holder body 420, the pair of hooks 422 with the substrate, the pair of spring receiving portions 424, the positioning pins 426 and the connecting portion 428 are formed integrally with resin or the like (molding). It is.

The pair of substrate-attached hooks 422 are for attaching the sensor substrate 408 to the sensor holder 412. In other words, the sensor substrate 408 is attached to the sensor holder 412 by the pair of substrate-attached hooks 422.

The pair of spring accommodating parts 424 is a portion in which one end of the pair of coil springs 406 abuts to receive the elastic support force of the pair of coil springs 406. The pair of spring accommodating portions 424 abuts against the side plate portion 33 of the cartridge mounting portion 5 and performs a shearing regulation of the front end of the movement of the sensor unit 400. Also serves as.

The holder main body 420 consists of the holder cover 430 which covers the whole optical sensor 409, and the partition member 432 which surrounds each optical sensor 409 individually. At the distal end of the holder cover 430, a plurality of sensor holes 434 corresponding to the plurality of optical sensors 409 are formed. Each optical sensor 409 irradiates the detection light from each sensor hole 434, and receives the reflected light from the bit structure part 145 from each sensor hole 434.

The holder cover 430 functions as an external light shielding part that shields external light to each optical sensor 409. On the other hand, the partition member 432 shields the detection light from the adjacent optical sensors 409 and functions as an interference prevention unit that prevents interference between the optical sensors 409.

In addition, the holder cover 430 not only functions as an external light shielding part, but also abuts against the proximal end surface of the tape cartridge 100 so that the sensor part 410 (each optical sensor 409) and the bit constitution part 145 are provided. It also functions as a spacer having a clearance between them as a predetermined clearance. That is, the front end surface 430a of the holder cover 430 becomes a contact surface with respect to the base end surface of the tape cartridge 100. As shown in FIG. When the holder cover 430 is pressed by the tape cartridge 100 through the pair of spring receiving portions 424 by the elastic support of the unit elastic support portion 404 (a pair of coil springs 406). The tip end surface 430a abuts against and comes into close contact with the base end surface of the tape cartridge 100 to form the predetermined clearance between the sensor portion 410 and the bit configuration portion 145. In addition, the front end surface 430a of the holder cover 430 is inclined slightly forward and is formed so that the base end surface of the tape cartridge 100 may be followed.

Moreover, the induction inclined surface 430b which inclines to the front side in the front upper end part of the holder cover 430 is formed. When the inclined inclined surface 430b is mounted on the tape cartridge 100, the guide inclined surface 430b abuts against a rear end portion of the tape cartridge 100 so as to provide a part (force) of the force for mounting the tape cartridge 100 to the sensor unit ( 400 is acting as a force pushing back out of the cartridge mounting portion 5. The induction inclined surface 430b causes the sensor unit 400 to be pushed back against the unit elastic support 404 with the mounting of the tape cartridge 100. As a result, when the mounting of the tape cartridge 100 is completed, the sensor unit 400 is pressed into the tape cartridge 100.

[Details of Type Reading Pattern (Bit Configuration)]

Next, with reference to FIGS. 16-24, the bit structure part 145 formed in the type reading seal 143 as a to-be-detected part, and the bit pattern (type read pattern) formed in the bit structure part 145 are comprised. The identification part 147 is demonstrated.

As shown in FIG. 16, on the type reading seal 143, the type which shows the type information of the tape cartridge 100 (tape color, material, the color of the ribbon of the ink ribbon 110 accommodated, etc. of the accommodated printing tape 102), etc. The bit structure 145 is formed as an area for forming the read pattern. The bit structure unit 145 has eight areas bit1 to area bit8 arranged in a matrix in two rows and four columns. In the area bit1 to area bit8, a bit pattern (type read pattern) in which the identification unit 147 is disposed is configured. The identification part 147 shows bit information of each 1 bit according to whether black ink is printed (non-printed) in the white print area. In other words, it becomes the bit information represented by the binary number by plain / solid fill of each area bit1-the area bit8 of the bit structure part 145. FIG. That is, the eight identification parts 147 in total represent 8-bit bit patterns (type read patterns).

Thus, scanning reading is performed by the bit structure part 145 provided with the 8-bit bit pattern (a kind read pattern), and the pattern reading part 59 (refer FIG. 5, FIG. 6) as a detection part mentioned above. Various types of information of the tape cartridge 100 can be read without performing (). That is, various types of information of the tape cartridge 100 can be read easily in a short time and without bothering the hands of the wearer (user).

As an example of the configuration of the bit pattern (type read pattern), the following configuration can be exemplified. In the configuration example, bit1 and bit5 are the first row, bit2 and bit6 are the second row, bit3 and bit7 are the third row, and bit4 and bit8 are the fourth row. Four ribbon colors are identified by the bit patterns of the first row, 16 tape colors are identified by the bit patterns of the second and fourth columns, and four tape widths are identified by the bit patterns of the third row. Identifies In this way, the 8-bit bit pattern (type read pattern) corresponds to the above-mentioned various types of information, and the above-mentioned bit pattern indicates the above-mentioned various types of information.

In addition, as in the configuration example, by avoiding the use of neighboring columns as the same type information such as the first column and the second column, the second column and the third column, even if the position shift of the pattern reading unit 59 occurs, Since each is different category information, it is possible to reduce the misjudgment, and the determination of the category information can be made more accurate.

As a combination example (bit pattern) of arrangement | positioning of the identification part 147 in the bit structure part 145, it can have an 8-bit bit pattern (type reading pattern) as mentioned above. Here, in FIG. 17-24, the combination example (bit pattern) of the arrangement | positioning of the identification part 147 is listed concretely. 256 patterns from the pattern A0 (see FIG. 17) to the pattern P15 (see FIG. 24) can be provided. An arbitrary pattern can be selected from these 256 patterns and used as the type information of the tape cartridge 100.

In addition, the broken line which shows the outer edge of the bit structure part 145 of FIG. 16 is shown to show the area | region of the bit structure part 145 for convenience of description, It does not need to be formed actually, and it shows a broken line. Alternatively, other ship types may be used, such as making a solid line.

[Modification example of identification part]

Next, with reference to FIG. 25, the modification of the identification part is demonstrated. In the above description, as the identification unit 147, a configuration in which black ink is printed (non-printed) in the entire area (area bit 1 to area bit 8) of each bit configuration unit 145 has been described as an example. It is not. As the identification part 147, as shown in FIG. 25, for example, the circular identification part 147a printed (black-printed) with black ink, and the triangle identification part printed (non-printed) with black ink, for example. 147b, rectangular identification portion 147c printed (non-printed) with black ink, pentagonal identification portion 147d printed (non-printed) with black ink, printed (non-printed) with black ink As long as the identification part 147e of a hexagon or the identification part 147f of the ellipse shape (track shape) printed (non-printed) with black ink, it is good if it is the structure which can be distinguished from the bit structure part 145 of a white background. . In addition, the identification unit 147 is not limited to the above-described modifications, and a bit configuration unit in which the identification unit 147 is not formed, such as a shape having an external shape combining other polygons, ellipses, or a straight line and a curved line part is not formed. A configuration capable of discriminating with 145 can be applied. As another example of the configuration of the identification section 147, as shown in FIG. 25, for example, a grid-shaped identification section 147h composed of a plurality of intersecting straight lines or an identification section in which black letters are formed without a circle. If it is the structure which can be discriminated with the bit structure part 145 in which the identification part 147 is not formed, such as (147g), it is applicable.

According to the above aspect, the spline boss part 244 as a fitting part of the tape cartridge 100, and the spline drive shaft 49 (drive shaft) of the platen drive shaft 45 of the tape printing apparatus 1 are splined together. In this way, the tape cartridge 100 is mounted. By mounting such a tape cartridge 100, the tape cartridge 100 and the holder (cartridge attaching part 5) are integrated, and the position of the type reading seal 143 (bit constitution part 145) as a to-be-detected part is carried out. The position of the pattern reading unit 59 as the detecting unit is positioned. Thereby, the positional relationship of the pattern reading part 59 and the type reading seal 143 (bit structure part 145) can be made into the optimal positional relationship.

In addition, when the tape cartridge 100 is mounted, the pattern as the detection unit so as to face the type reading seal 143 (bit constitution unit 145) as the detection unit provided on the wall surface along the mounting direction of the tape cartridge 100. Since the reading unit 59 is provided, the distance between the pattern reading unit 59 and the type reading seal 143 (bit constitution unit 145) can be shortened, and the influence of the positional shift between the tape cartridge and the holder can be reduced. It can make it hard to receive. That is, the optimum positional relationship between the pattern reading unit 59 and the type reading seal 143 (bit constitution unit 145) can be maintained. In this way, the positional relationship between the pattern reading unit 59 and the type reading seal 143 (bit constitution unit 145) can be made the optimum positional relationship, and the optimum positional relationship can be maintained. The detection capability by the pattern reading unit 59 can be improved, and the type information of the tape cartridge can be read accurately.

In addition, in the said embodiment, although it was the structure provided with the bit structure part 145 and the optical sensor 409 by 8 of 2 rows and 4 columns, about the number and arrangement | positioning of these (row number and column number), it is limited to this. It is not. For example, the configuration may be arranged in a horizontal arrangement, such as six in one row and six columns, or may be a configuration in which the arrangement is arranged in vertical arrangement, such as six in six rows and one column. In addition, the number of rows and the number of columns may be the same, as in 16 of 4 rows and 4 columns.

In the above embodiment, the bit constitution unit 145 indicates bit information of one bit depending on whether or not black ink is printed (non-printed) in the white area print area. The color of the ink and the color of the ink to be printed are not limited to this, provided that the bit information can be detected by the optical sensor 409 (if the presence or absence of reflected light or the strength and weakness when the detected light is irradiated) can be detected. . For example, one-bit bit information may be represented depending on whether or not white ink is printed on the black background print area. For example, the structure of one color of the printing area | region and the color of ink may be made into the color of blue, navy blue, and green system, and the other may be made into the color of red, yellow, and orange system.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the type reading seal 143 as the to-be-detected part in which the bit pattern (type read pattern) in which the identification part 147 is arranged in the bit structure part 145 is formed is used. Although it was the structure which adhered to the side surface (bottom surface 150a) and forms the bit structure part 145 in the side surface (bottom surface 150a) of the tape cartridge 100, the side surface (bottom surface 150a) of the tape cartridge 100. May be formed directly on the bit constitution unit 145. In such a case, the structure which prints (draws) the bit pattern (type read pattern) by the bit structure part 145 in which the identification part 147 was arrange | positioned at this side may be sufficient, and the identification part 147 is arrange | positioned at this side. The bit pattern (type reading pattern) by the bit structure part 145 may be engraved and installed (drawing) by a laser etc. may be sufficient. Further, by forming an opening selectively for each identification unit 147, a configuration may be formed (drawing) of a bit pattern (type reading pattern) by the bit configuration unit 145 in which the identification unit 147 is disposed. .

1: tape printing device
3: device case
5: cartridge mounting portion
7: opening and closing cover
21: print head
23: printing mechanism
25 tape transfer mechanism
31: mounting base
40: base convex portion
41: pedestal
42: identification convex portion
45 platen drive shaft
48: fixed support shaft
49: spline drive shaft
59: pattern reading section as detection section
100: tape cartridge
102: printing tape
104: tape core
106: Tape Roll
110: ink ribbon
120: platen roller
130: Cartridge Case
143: Type reading seal as a part to be detected
145 bit configuration
147: identification unit
150: lower case
152: Top Case
192: core shaft portion
240: roller body
244: Spline boss portion as fitting portion
244a: Spline Groove
260 core recess
262: depression
264: identification recess
274: Spline Shaft
274a: Spline Tooth
280: notch opening
282: convex body
286: tongue
290: fitting convex portion
292: fitting recess
300: cartridge detection unit
302, 302A: Actuated member
304: switch body
310: shaft portion
312: New Year shape
400: sensor unit
409: optical sensor

Claims (11)

A cartridge mounting portion for mounting a tape cartridge, a detection portion for irradiating detection light to the detected portion provided on the tape cartridge to read type information of the tape cartridge from the detected portion, a holder provided with the detection portion, and an inside of the cartridge mounting portion. A tape cartridge detachably detachably attached to a tape printing apparatus having an elastic support portion for elastically supporting the holder,
A cartridge case having a tape receiving area for receiving a printing tape and a ribbon receiving area for receiving a ribbon roll;
The detection part provided on the outer circumferential wall surface of the cartridge case opposite to the tape receiving area with respect to the ribbon receiving area,
The detected part,
The identification part is provided with the bit structure which can be installed in multiple numbers,
The type information is constituted by a combination of the identification section provided in the bit configuration section.
When the tape cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion, the outer circumferential wall surface of the cartridge case opposite to the tape receiving area with respect to the ribbon receiving area includes a contact surface in contact with the holder. . The method of claim 1,
The said detection part is comprised by the some optical sensor provided in matrix form of 2 rows 4 columns,
And the bit constitution section constitutes the type information according to whether or not the identification section exists at a position for receiving the detection light emitted from the plurality of optical sensors. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The shape of the said identification part is a tape cartridge characterized by the shape which combined circular, elliptical, or a straight line and a curve. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The shape of the said identification part is a tape cartridge characterized by the above-mentioned. A cartridge mounting portion for mounting a tape cartridge, a detection portion for irradiating detection light to the detected portion provided on the tape cartridge to read type information of the tape cartridge from the detected portion, a holder provided with the detection portion, and an inside of the cartridge mounting portion. A tape cartridge detachably detachably attached to a tape printing apparatus having an elastic support portion for elastically supporting the holder,
A cartridge case having a tape receiving area for receiving a printing tape and a ribbon receiving area for receiving a ribbon roll;
The detection part provided on the outer circumferential wall surface of the cartridge case opposite to the tape receiving area with respect to the ribbon receiving area,
The detected part,
And a bit structure portion in which a plurality of portions to which the detection light is irradiated from the detection portion is arranged,
The type information is constituted by a combination of the plurality of portions to which the detection light is irradiated from the detection unit.
And the outer circumferential wall surface of the cartridge case provided with the to-be-detected portion includes a contact surface that contacts the holder when the tape cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion. The method of claim 5,
The said detection part is comprised by the some optical sensor provided in matrix form of 2 rows 4 columns,
The plurality of portions to which the detection light is irradiated from the detection unit constitute the type information according to whether or not an identification unit exists. The method of claim 6,
The shape of the said identification part is a tape cartridge characterized by the shape which combined circular, elliptical, or a straight line and a curve. The method of claim 6,
The shape of the said identification part is a tape cartridge characterized by the above-mentioned. The method according to claim 1 or 5,
The outer edge of the bit structure portion is formed by a solid line or a broken line. The method according to claim 1 or 5,
The outer edge of said bit structure part is not formed by the line, The tape cartridge characterized by the above-mentioned. The method according to claim 1 or 5,
In the outer peripheral wall surface, an adhesive part is formed concave,
The said to-be-detected part is adhere | attached on the said adhesion | attachment part, The tape cartridge characterized by the above-mentioned.

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